It was my 40th birthday this week ~ WOO HOO! ~ so today I thought I’d share some things I love.
Greetings beloveds! Happy Thursday!
On Tuesday, I turned 40 and I’m pretty damn stoked about it. I never saw 40 as a scary number. I’m really enjoying getting older. But at the same time, I’m baffled as to how I’m 40 already! My 21st birthday feels like it was about 8 years ago, so I’m now convinced that life is just a crazy time warp. We’ve really gotta cling on and pay attention as we journey through because WHEW, these years are going by fast.
My twenties were a bit mental. I was all over the place (mentally, emotionally, geographically), trying to figure out who I was and didn’t particularly like myself through any of it. In my thirties, I really did the work to suss myself out - who I am, what makes me tick, what I’m good at - and reached the end of that decade feeling sure of myself, pleased with all I’d accomplished and ready to do more. So that’s where I am now - kicking the door to 40 down, ready to really dig in and continue to learn, grow, discover and just get better in all that I am and hope to be. Frankly, I’m pretty damn excited. I’ve only been forty for 48 hours and it’s dope as hell! I’m so ready to rock this decade!
So, sound off in the comments below - I wanna hear from you. Those of you in the 40+ club, I wanna hear your favourite things about being in this age bracket. Those of you still in your thirties, tell me what you’re looking forward to or scared of about turning the big 4-0.
I love learning what people are watching, listening to and reading - always spawns pretty awesome conversations. So, since I’m still riding high on birthday vibes, having spent a few days steeping myself in lot of things I love, I thought I’d share some of my favourite podcasts and TV things, in case you’re on the lookout for recommendations.
I’m a total podcast nerd and listen to A LOT. Here are my top ten (in no particular order) that I must listen to every week (and man, it was hard to narrow it down to ten!)
WTF with Marc Maron - Maron is a stand up comedian and interviews comedians, actors and musicians on his show. He’s been in the podcast game a long time and is a truly masterful interviewer. Even if I’ve never heard of the guest, I’ll often end up listening and enjoying it just the same.
The Read - Hosted by Kid Fury and Crissle, it’s two friends having an excellent chat every week. They cover pop culture, race, politics. It’s both educational and entertaining.
Armchair Expert - Hosted by actor Dax Shepard and his friend Monica Padman. There are two episodes a week; one where he interviews an actor/musician/celebrity of some sort and the other where he interviews an expert in their field - could be a scientist, a politician, a teacher. Dax has a wonderful way with people and is just a real pleasure to listen to.
This American Life - Probably my all time fave. There’s a different topic each week and they may have three or four different stories centred around that theme. A consistently awesome show.
How Neal Feel - Hosted by Neal Brennan, another stand up comedian (I think I mentioned last week that I’m a comedy nerd, so I always seem to gravitate to this kind of thing). Discusses a variety of topics, similar to The Read in content, with plenty of LOLs thrown in for good measure.
Smartless - This is a fairly new podcast but has rapidly become one of my faves. Hosted by actors Sean Hayes, Will Arnett and Jason Bateman, one of them invites a guest on the show and the others don’t know who it is until he introduces them. The dynamic between the three of them is hilarious. Well worth checking out.
Snap Judgement - The way their show is described on the podcast app is ‘storytelling with a BEAT, mixes real stories with killer beats to produce cinematic, dramatic, kick-ass radio’ - and hell yeah, it delivers every time.
Ear Hustle - A show about the realities of being incarcerated, brought to you by the inmates of San Quentin State Prison. This is a massively educational show. Each episode gives you a ton of food for thought.
This is Actually Happening - I just discovered this one recently and have been a bit obsessed with it. This is real people telling stories of insane things that have happened in their lives (for example, one guy who was being hunted by the head of the Japanese mafia). Some stories are funny, some sad, but always a really interesting insight into people’s lives.
Criminal - Not your typical true crime podcast. It’s stories of “people who’ve done wrong, been wronged or got caught somewhere in the middle.” Always really entertaining and the host, Pheobe Judge, has one of the best broadcasting voices I think I’ve ever heard.
As we continue to ride out this pandemic life for a bit longer, we’re all in need of good things to watch. Here’s some things I’ve watched over the last few months that kept me pretty gripped:
Allen v Farrow - I mean, this is not exactly easy viewing, but is super insightful. We’ve all heard the allegations about Woody Allen over the years but this 4 part documentary tells the in depth story of Dillon Farrow, his daughter and her account of the abuse he inflicted on her. It’s sad, it’s harrowing, it’s infuriating at times, but it is worth a watch.
The Vow - If you’re looking for a documentary series that’ll make your jaw drop and head spin, you’ve got to watch this. It’s utterly baffling how seemingly normal can get drawn into a cult. I found this series absolutely fascinating.
Your Honor - This drama series starring Bryan Cranston, set in New Orleans is a great edge-of-your-seat watch. I wasn’t sure my blood pressure could take it!
P-Valley - This drama series about a strip club deserves way more buzz. Great characters, great soundtrack and extremely enviable pole dancing skills. I am eagerly awaiting a second season.
Tiger - This documentary about Tiger Woods, his fall from grace and his come back is excellent. I have zero understanding of or interest in golf, but I was gripped by this.
Last Chance U - My oh my, how I am obsessed with this documentary series. It follows American Football players at Junior Colleges on their quest to get recruited into a Division One university on an athletic scholarship, and ultimately hoping to one day get drafted into the NFL. Again, you don’t need a knowledge of or interest in the sport - you get so invested in the players stories. The way it’s shot is nothing short of cinematic and whoever does the music on it is an absolute DON. Plus, they just released a season focusing on basketball which is equally great.
Hop in the comments and let me know anything that you’ve been hooked on during lockdown.
Right, I shall sign off now and be back in your inbox on Monday…well, I will if you’re a paying subscriber. Not to rinse the birthday thing, but if you’d like to show me a lil birthday love, subscribing to the paid edition would absolutely make my week. You can do that by clicking right here and ensuring you get the juicy Monday emails for just $5 per month or $50 a year.
Like what @Erin said below. I turned 40 in lockdown #1 in the UK. Decided to own my achievements (my PhD, which I received when I was 27, but never really advertised, and the fact I can lift more weight than any man I know) and ignore the criticisms that I'm not what people think of as feminine. Haven't had much of a chance to check the new attitude out. But it's working so far.
40 = caring much much less about what people and society think. Just a different vibe - I know me and I know what I want and need. Don't have it, don't care? Bye.
It’s funny, I was just having a shower thought the other day to ask some 50+ year old women to ask if they thought their 30’s or 40’s felt more like their prime lol. I’m only 37, so I have a few years to 40, but I don’t think it scares me... I feel like life keeps just getting better. I fear that with my aging that means my parents also age and they are by no means definitions of health.
Also wanted to add to the podcast list:
Honest To Dog - weekly dog training by a dog behaviourist. Great advice!
Sex With Emily - another weekly all about healthy sex conversations, exploration and embracing female pleasure.
Yeah, it's so interesting how we perceive age, isn't it? I was talking to my mum the other day. She's 73 and says that now when she thinks of when she was 40, she still considers that as being young. I agree with you though, I'm loving ageing and think that my life has just improved year on year. And definitely hear you on the ageing parents part - thankfully both mine are currently in good health, but the thought that it may go another way at some point is a definite source of anxiety for me.
And thank you for these pod recommendations - I'm always down for dog training tips. And I always see Sex with Emily pop up on my feed and have been meaning to check it out.
Like what @Erin said below. I turned 40 in lockdown #1 in the UK. Decided to own my achievements (my PhD, which I received when I was 27, but never really advertised, and the fact I can lift more weight than any man I know) and ignore the criticisms that I'm not what people think of as feminine. Haven't had much of a chance to check the new attitude out. But it's working so far.
I love that - a kind of fully coming into yourself, owning and accepting who you are, completely. That's a very beautiful thing. Congrats!
40 = caring much much less about what people and society think. Just a different vibe - I know me and I know what I want and need. Don't have it, don't care? Bye.
YESSSSSS, I am feeling this strongly already! Can't wait to lean into that more. How freeing! And P.S it looks hella good on you, girl ;-)
It’s funny, I was just having a shower thought the other day to ask some 50+ year old women to ask if they thought their 30’s or 40’s felt more like their prime lol. I’m only 37, so I have a few years to 40, but I don’t think it scares me... I feel like life keeps just getting better. I fear that with my aging that means my parents also age and they are by no means definitions of health.
Also wanted to add to the podcast list:
Honest To Dog - weekly dog training by a dog behaviourist. Great advice!
Sex With Emily - another weekly all about healthy sex conversations, exploration and embracing female pleasure.
Yeah, it's so interesting how we perceive age, isn't it? I was talking to my mum the other day. She's 73 and says that now when she thinks of when she was 40, she still considers that as being young. I agree with you though, I'm loving ageing and think that my life has just improved year on year. And definitely hear you on the ageing parents part - thankfully both mine are currently in good health, but the thought that it may go another way at some point is a definite source of anxiety for me.
And thank you for these pod recommendations - I'm always down for dog training tips. And I always see Sex with Emily pop up on my feed and have been meaning to check it out.